A firefighter died Wednesday after he was struck by a tree while fighting the Big Swamp Fire in the Willamette National Forest.
Collin Hagan, 27, of Toivola, Michigan, was a Bureau of Land Management firefighter with the Craig Interagency Hotshot Crew in Colorado. He was assigned to help fight the wildfire which is burning to the southeast of Oakridge, Oregon.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said a 9-1-1 call came in shortly after 12:30 p.m. reporting that a wildland firefighter was critically injured after he was struck by a tree.
Both ground and helicopter ambulances were sent to the scene, but despite getting medical aid from EMS personnel assigned to the fire, Hagan died of his injuries. A REACH Air Medical Services helicopter flew his body to the Roseburg Regional Airport, where firefighters from the BLM, USFS, and local agencies “stood together to honor Hagan.”
A Serious Accident Investigation Team will look into the death.
“We are devastated by the tragic loss of a cherished firefighter working on our forest to save our communities and beloved recreational areas,” said Duane Bishop, Acting Forest Supervisor on the Willamette National Forest. “Their family has been notified and we are working with our partners to ensure the crew is well taken care of. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and fellow crew members of this brave firefighter.”
The U.S. Forest Service said the Big Swamp Fire is a 117-acre, lightning-caused fire that broke out on August 1, 2022.
Another fire is burning directly to the east of Oakridge, the Cedar Creek Fire, which is roughly 3,861 acres. It is also a lightning-caused blaze.
“It is a sad day in public safety.” Sheriff John Hanlin said. “On behalf of the men and women of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, I extend my heartfelt sympathies to Firefighter Hagan’s family, friends, co-workers and all who knew this brave young man.”
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